Hessian Miter Cap

Date: 1775

Catalog #: 1978.2180.01    Accession #: 1978.218

Credit: Division of Military History and Diplomacy, National Museum of American History

Dimensions / Weight

Dimensions: 9.25" H x 7" W x 8.75" D

Physical Description

Cloth body with brass fittings and a cap plate. The straw colored cloth matches the regimental facings on their uniforms. The brass finial, supports and crown are stamped with a variety of military symbols. The brass cap plate is stamped with the Hessian lion. The lion is rampant, rearing on the left hind leg with the forelegs elevated, the right above the left, and usually with the head in profile and holding a sword. The sword is engraved with the initials “FL” forFriedrich Landgraf, the ruler of Hesse-Cassel.

Specific History

The Fusilier Regiment von Knyphausen was one of the regiments of the Second Division of troops from the German principality of Hesse-Cassel. It served as an auxiliary troop to the British Army during the American Revolution. Fusiliers were light infantry regiments in German armies and their distinctive miter cap differentiated them from other units.

General History

The miter is a ceremonial, peaked headdress.